Jeffrey Donaldson Denies 1990s Meeting Sought to Quash Abuse Claims at 18-Charge Trial
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 12
Jeffrey Donaldson Denies 1990s Meeting Sought to Quash Abuse Claims at 18-Charge Trial
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 12
Summary
At Newry Crown Court, Donaldson said a late-1990s meeting with Complainant B at Armoy's Christian Family Centre was not an attempt to "nip in the bud" abuse allegations and that he went without knowing its purpose.
Under cross-examination, the 63-year-old rejected claims he took control of the meeting, apologized for abuse or knew allegations had been raised, saying he was only sorry if he had ever made her feel uncomfortable.
Complainant B has testified that Donaldson apologized to her, while earlier evidence from Linda Hoy said she cried after saying she forgave him; Donaldson told jurors he remembered an embrace but not tears.
Donaldson also said both complainants' allegations were untrue, denied touching Complainant A's breasts, and said he did not know why the two alleged victims went to police at the same time.
The former DUP leader denies 18 offences allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008, including rape; his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies five aiding-and-abetting charges, and the trial continues.